That’s right — bring your own food. New York bars that lack full kitchens but want to create a relaxed “dining room” ambiance are now encouraging patrons to bring their own bites to the bar. You can spread out an elaborate picnic or even bring your own meat to fire up on the in-house grill (one watering hole will even supply the marinades), and all you have to cover is the bar tab.

Book publicist Tiffany Alvarado (pictured) of Brooklyn is a new fan of BYOF. In the back garden at the East River Bar — a dive tucked alongside the Williamsburg Bridge — she unpacks a picnic basket full of cheese and cured meats and settles in for a romantic weekday date with her fiancé, Rob McKenna (right). “You go to a swanky bar and order the cheese plate and get three slivers for $15,” Alvarado says. “Here you get to sit outside under the twinkling lights, feel like you’re out for the night, but bring exactly the kind of food you know you’ll love.”

Inside, there’s a pool table and Buckhunter Pro; out back, there’s an unexpectedly charming outdoor space with picnic tables, potted plants and a giant mural of the southern Williamsburg skyline. The noise of the J/M/Z trains rumbling past just adds to the gritty Williamsburg vibe.

At this blink-and-you’d-miss-it Irish pub, patrons come to support the Buffalo Sabres and stay for the variety of sports channels and the unpretentious vibe. “It’s not a snooty Midtown Irish bar where everything is polished brass. This is a good around-the-corner kind of sports bar,” says manager Tim Malloy.

* DRINK: Pint of Guinness, $7

* BYOF: Malloy’s seen it all. Regulars go to nearby Katz’s Deli and bring “a beautiful pastrami sandwich,” while one guy drives down from upstate New York just to get a bahn mi from “a secret Vietnamese joint” in the city and eat it at Kelly’s as he watches the game. For those who haven’t prepared a TV dinner in advance, there’s a big binder of takeout menus behind the bar.

FOR THE LAZY BBQ AFICIONADO

EIGHT MILE CREEK

240 Mulberry St., 212-431-4635

This Aussie hangout is actually a restaurant that serves manly fare like rack of lamb and meat pie with mashed potatoes. But the chill back garden made a name for itself when the owners started doing Down Under-style “barbies,” allowing patrons to bring their own meat and even providing marinades, to boot.

* DRINK: A glass of Yalumba Y Series 2008 Viognier, $8.50

* BYOF: Co-owner Andrew Jordan says the bring-your-own-meat parties can get out of hand. “You get some frustrated amateur chefs saying, ‘Man, I’ve brought enough veal for 40 people, can you just get me a twist of lemon and some garnishes?’” As a result, the BYOM policy is now limited to private parties, at which someone from the restaurant will help man the fire. Call ahead to reserve the space, and the owners are happy to have you bring your own shrimp or fish for the Weber grill. They’ll suggest sides and wine pairings to go with your masterpiece.

FOR HIP BROOKLYN MOMS

SYCAMORE

1118 Cortelyou Road, Brooklyn, 347-240-5850

By day it’s a sweet flower shop, by night it’s an American whiskey bar with a Southern flavor. Ultimately, Sycamore has become the nexus of the new Ditmas Park, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s a family-friendly spot, but the cast of “Hair” recently did a nude photo shoot here ­— which keeps things interesting.

* DRINK: The Sycamore Julep, $8

* BYOF: On a recent Sunday, one group of intrepid urban picnickers bought a bottle of pinot grigio at the bar and then tucked into a cooler packed with turkey sandwiches, Kettle chips and crudités. A few feet away, a couple delved into a spread of Middle Eastern fare from Mimi’s Hummus, a tiny spot across Cortelyou Road that often has long waits for a table. “People come from around the block and bring their dinner — they don’t want to be cooped up at home. We’re not dictating what they bring. It’s really whatever makes them happy,” says co-owner Justin Israelson.

* BYOF: “People do meat and cheese spreads or bring meat for the grill,” says Roff. Others get burgers from Dutch Boy Burger, around the corner on Franklin Avenue, which Roff also co-owns. “Obviously I’d like them to buy my food, but I don’t get pissed if they want to order Mexican instead. Until I connect the restaurant and the bar, they can bring meatloaf from home, for all I care.” We suggest you pack your hamper with cold roasted rosemary chicken and an old-fashioned potato salad.

BYOM (Bring your own meat)How the DIY grilling phenomenon works

The Brooklyn BYOF spots — Sycamore and East River Bar — both have barbecue grills available to use on a first come, first served basis.

But you need to supply the charcoal, lighter fluid and — of course — the meat.

If you ask nicely, the staff might offer some tips to get the fire going, but when it comes to making a steak perfectly medium rare, you’re on your own. And you must supply paper plates, napkins, cutlery and any condiments you’re dreaming of slathering on your steak, fish or veggies.

At Eight Mile Creek in SoHo, the grill protocol is more formal — and reservations are required if you want to char your sausages on its Weber. Call ahead to book a private party in the backyard, and the owners will bring out the grill. Special marinades, side salads and desserts are available, but cost extra. If you prefer, the staff will take your meat and veggies and cook them on the more powerful grill in the kitchen.

The bonus at all these spots? You won’t be stuck scrubbing down the grill after dinner.